A Travel Price Comparison for United States of America Baltimore vs. Atlantic City for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Baltimore and Atlantic City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Baltimore

Baltimore is a colorful, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Atlantic City

Atlantic City is a party-oriented, colorful, and glitzy city. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Baltimore and Atlantic City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Baltimore. Although Baltimore and Atlantic City are popular destinations, Baltimore has more sights and attractions for tourists. Baltimore is very popular for its museums, food, shopping, and big city activities, while Atlantic City attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Atlantic City is more touristy than Baltimore and is known for its casinos, gambling culture, nightlife scene, and wild personality Baltimore is famous for the Inner Harbor and its many water based activities. It is also well known for the National Aquarium.

How is Baltimore different from Atlantic City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Atlantic City and Baltimore. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Baltimore is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Baltimore. The city is known for its historic ships that are found in the Inner Harbor. There are many other museums around town as well like the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Many days can be filled exploring the many art, history, or science museums in the area.

While most people don't head to Atlantic City specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. While most people don't spend their time in museums, there is the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, the African American Heritage Museum, and the Noyes Museum Galleries.

Is the Food Better in Baltimore or Atlantic City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Baltimore is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Baltimore makes for a great culinary experience. The city's location near the Chesapeake Bay means that there are many great local seafood dishes. Blue crab is a regional favorite and is often served as crab soup, crab dip, or crab cakes. You'll find many famous restaurants in the Inner Harbor, but if you want something more local you should check out Little Italy or Fells Point.

Atlantic City has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are budget buffets around town as well as seafood restaurants and even some fine dining. Salt water taffy is a local specialty that you should pick up while you're in the area.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Nightlife?

Atlantic City is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baltimore is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

People head to Atlantic City just to party. This is a city that is all about its nightlife scene. Many visitors come here just to party, and you'll find clubs with DJs or bands playing from sunset to sunrise. There are glitzy lounges and dive bars with everything in between. As a gambling town, there are casinos and all-night activities that keep the energy going round the clock.

Many people head to Baltimore for the nightlife scene. It's a vibrant city with many night time activities like breweries, night clubs, and cocktail bars. There's even outside the box activities like ballroom dancing or arcade bars.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Resorts?

Atlantic City is well known for its resorts. However, Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Atlantic City. The beach and boardwalk are lined with casinos and resorts. There are many recognizable names such as Harrah's, Bally's, Caesars, Hard Rock, and the Tropicana.

Baltimore is not a resort destination.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Beaches?

Atlantic City is very good for the beache. However, Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Atlantic City to enjoy the beach. There's a Boardwalk that runs along the beach and is lined with piers and hotels. The Downtown Beach is the most accessible, and where most tourists hang out. If you're willing to travel a little further, there are some nice beaches nearby such as Margate Beach and Brigantine Beach.

Baltimore is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Baltimore is well known for shopping. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Baltimore is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Shopping is a great way to experience the different neighborhoods around town. For high end shopping head to Harbor East. For a bit more history check out Federal Hill. Hampden is known for its quirky style and Fell's Point is particularly popular with tourists.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Atlantic City. You'll find many souvenir shops along the boardwalk. There's also a Tangier Outlet Mall in the area. Some of the hotels such as the Tropicana have their own shopping areas as well.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Families?

Baltimore is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Atlantic City is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Baltimore is a very family-friendly place to visit. The National Aquarium is a highlight for many families. It's an impressive aquarium with dolphins, sharks, puffins, and fish. Also in town is the Port Discovery Children’s Museum which has many interactive exhibits. The Maryland Science Center, the Maryland Zoo, and the many historic ships in the harbor also offer educational opportunities for kids. For something a bit different, check out Urban Pirates in the Inner Harbor.

For families, Atlantic City is not always the best place to visit. Most families avoid this area for more family-friendly beaches, but if you find yourself in the area, you can check out Ripley's Believe It or Not or go on a dolphin cruise. Also popular is Steel Pier, which has rides for all ages.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Couples?

Both Baltimore and Atlantic City are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Baltimore makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors spend the majority of their time around the Inner Harbor. There are restaurants and romantic hotels that are perfect for couples. The city also has many entertainment options and other activities that make for a great date night.

Atlantic City is a good city for couples to visit. It's not exactly known for its romance, but there are casinos, hotels, and a beaches that are fun to visit. You'll also find several spas and sunset cruises in the area.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baltimore and Atlantic City are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Baltimore is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels around town, but most international travelers overlook this city.

It's common for backpackers to visit Atlantic City. There is a hostel in the area. You'll also find a younger crowd and plenty of partying.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Baltimore is well known for its public transit. Also, Atlantic City is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Baltimore is fairly effecient and thorough. There are water taxis and a free downtown bus service that's called the Charm City Circulator. MTA also operates a metro and a light rail system.

While Atlantic City offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Jitney are shuttle buses that runs from one end of the city to the other. They pass by most of the hotels and casinos along Pacific Avenue.

Is Baltimore or Atlantic City a more walkable city?

Baltimore and Atlantic City both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Baltimore is a very walkable city. The downtown area is the most walkable part of the city. In particular, the Inner Harbor and Fells Point are particularly walkable.

Atlantic City is a very walkable destination. Many of the hotels are walkable and located near the boardwalk.

For even more information, also check out Is Baltimore Worth Visiting? and Is Atlantic City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Atlantic City or Baltimore?

How long in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baltimore and Atlantic City. In our opinion, Baltimore has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Baltimore than Atlantic City. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Baltimore, and 1-3 days is enough time in Atlantic City.

Families should spend more time in Baltimore than Atlantic City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baltimore, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Baltimore than Atlantic City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Baltimore that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Baltimore than Atlantic City if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Baltimore.

One day in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Baltimore. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Atlantic City. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Atlantic City has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baltimore. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the glitzy destination of Atlantic City. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Baltimore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the flashy city of Atlantic City. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Baltimore or Atlantic City?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Baltimore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Atlantic City is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Los Angeles, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from New York City, The Best 2-Week Tours from New York City, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Anchorage.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Baltimore and Atlantic City, we can see that Baltimore is more expensive. And not only is Atlantic City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Atlantic City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Atlantic City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Baltimore would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Baltimore than you might in Atlantic City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Baltimore Expensive? and Is Atlantic City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Baltimore has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Atlantic City. When comparing the sizes of Baltimore and Atlantic City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Baltimore or Atlantic City?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Baltimore or Atlantic City in the Summer?

Both Atlantic City and Baltimore are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baltimore in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Atlantic City for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Baltimore is generally around the same temperature as Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 78°F (25°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 75°F (24°C).

It's quite sunny in Atlantic City. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Baltimore. Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during summer. Baltimore gets 283 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 273 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. It's quite rainy in Baltimore. In July, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 4.1 inches (103 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Baltimore or Atlantic City in the Autumn?

Both Atlantic City and Baltimore during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Baltimore for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Atlantic City because of the shopping scene.

Baltimore is around the same temperature as Atlantic City in the autumn. The daily temperature in Baltimore averages around 57°F (14°C) in October, and Atlantic City fluctuates around 56°F (13°C).

In the autumn, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 197 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 2.8 inches (71 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Baltimore or Atlantic City in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Baltimore and Atlantic City. The winter months attract visitors to Baltimore because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Atlantic City this time of year.

It's quite cold in Atlantic City in the winter. The weather in Baltimore can be very cold. In the winter, Baltimore is much warmer than Atlantic City. Typically, the winter temperatures in Baltimore in January average around 32°F (0°C), and Atlantic City averages at about 31°F (-0°C).

Baltimore usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City during winter. Baltimore gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Atlantic City receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baltimore usually receives less rain than Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 2.9 inches (74 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.4 inches (87 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Baltimore or Atlantic City in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Baltimore as well as Atlantic City. The activities around the city are the main draw to Baltimore this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Atlantic City for the beaches.

In April, Baltimore is generally a little warmer than Atlantic City. Daily temperatures in Baltimore average around 54°F (12°C), and Atlantic City fluctuates around 51°F (10°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Atlantic City. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Baltimore this time of the year. In the spring, Baltimore often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Atlantic City receives 217 hours of full sun.

Baltimore usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Atlantic City. Baltimore gets 3.1 inches (78 mm) of rain, while Atlantic City receives 3.2 inches (82 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Atlantic City and Baltimore